Sierra Leone has recorded its first case of Mpox, confirmed on January 10, 2025, by the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and the Ministry of Health (MoH). This development follows the World Health Organization's (WHO) classification of the virus as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in August 2024.

The case involves a 27-year-old man from the Western Area Rural District, currently in isolation and receiving medical care. Authorities have launched contact tracing and intensified surveillance to prevent further spread.

The Ministry of Health has implemented several measures to address the outbreak, including:

Isolating the patient and monitoring close contacts for 21 days.

Enhancing disease surveillance in affected areas.

Increasing public awareness about Mpox symptoms and prevention.

Providing healthcare workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) and training on infection control.

Partnering with the WHO for technical and logistical support.

Mpox is a zoonotic viral disease that spreads through close contact, with symptoms such as fever, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes. Citizens are urged to report symptoms by calling 117 or visiting nearby health facilities.

The Ministry has also advised the public to:

Rely on credible health information.

Practice good hygiene and regular handwashing.

Avoid contact with infected individuals or wild animals.

Show compassion and avoid stigmatization.

The government reassures Sierra Leoneans of its commitment to managing the situation effectively, emphasizing public cooperation to curb the spread. Continuous updates will be provided to ensure transparency and public safety.